Creme Brulee Torch

While the origins of the crme brulee are disputed (the British, French and Spanish all lay claim to it), there is no denying that it is the cordon bleu of desserts. This dessert which is usually served in individual ramekins, comprises a base of rich custard topped with a layer of hard caramel. While the custard is cooked in hot water, there are a number of ways to achieve the hard caramel layer. A layer of sugar is sprinkled on and then melted to create the caramel. One may use either superfine, brown sugar or granulated sugar, though the flavor from brown sugar is considered the best. The methods to melt the sugar are varied.

The creation of the hard caramel is a tricky concept, for it has to be done while keeping the custard cool. The dessert is traditionally served with the custard cool and the hard caramel layer hot, which is why a crme brulee torch is your best bet. Those who don't have this appliance usually manage by placing the ramekin under a broiler preheated to the maximum temperature. Alternate methods include placing it under a "salamander", which is a small, extremely hot, metal iron with a long handle, or by flambing a hard liquor on it. Very rarely, discs of caramel may be prepared separately and put on top just before serving.

What is a Creme Brulee Torch?

By now, you would have gathered this torch is used primarily for caramelizing sugar. To state the obvious, it is a hand held device, and the torch fuel may be butane, propane, or some other flammable liquid. The device is button or trigger operated, which ignites the flame. If it is a butane torch, it produces a bluish colored flame. Some torches are equipped with child-safety locks to prevent accidental ignition and injury. While the instructions are always provided with the device, the recommended way of using it is to first sprinkle on some fine-grain white sugar, then holding the torch a few inches away from the custard, use circular motions to melt the sugar. Stop when you have an even brown layer of caramelized sugar, but try to accomplish this as fast as possible. You than have to let it cool, so that it breaks with a crack when you dig into it. While the technique is not difficult, it may take a few tries for you to master it and get that perfect smooth layer of brown.

Crme Brulee Torch Set

The set usually comes inclusive of ramekins. For example, the Bonjour Creme Brulee Torch comes along with 4 oval ramekins that have scalloped edges. The torch is made of stainless steel and has a removable stand and an anti-flare flame with adjustable temperatures. One needs butane fuel for the refilling of the torch. The porcelain ramekins are said to be safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven. The other brulee torch uses are for melting cheese for onion soup, browning Baked Alaska and other meringues, heating and melting cheese for casseroles and lasagna and whatever else you can think off! These torches are priced between $20 US Dollars (USD) and can go up to $50 USD. Among the reputed makers of these torches are Bed, Bath and Beyond and Crate and Barrel.

While frequently used on television cooking shows, know that a crme brulee torch is not essential to make good crme brulee. In fact, while some chefs swear by them, others just don't see what all the fuss is about.